"The Don't Quit Poem"

The Don't Quit poem  was written many years ago. The author of this poem is was unknown, and still is unfortunately. Sadly, in recent years a number of people have claimed ownership of the poem and some have even claimed to have written it themselves! But either way this poem has helped many get through tough times, especially me. I've been through a lot of difficult hardships in my life, but nothing beats all the challenges I was forced to face in the past two years. My faith was tested in more ways than one, and there were many times where I felt myself falling deep into the deep, dark hole of despair. But somehow, a deep inner strength came through every single time, and helped me rise above every single challenge. Today, I'm still adjusting to changes in my life, but am finally beginning to see all my hard work pay off, and that God did indeed have a wonderful life path for me.

Single Parent & Family Stress: Ways to Reduce It

These days it seems like everyday family stress; especially in single parent households, is the hallmark of raising a family in today's tough economy. For those who are happily married at least can find the comfort in knowing that dealing with the battles of financial and emotional stress is one they won't have to endure alone. But for a single parent facing troubling times alone it can become an exponentially more challenging ordeal than most people can imagine. But yet despite the odds against them so many single parents find the strength somehow to beat those very same odds. They find happiness, peace, a loving partner & role-model for their children, success, financial stability, and live happily ever after.

Than there are those of the single parent population who fall prey to the negativity that surrounds them, and let the stress of their present challenges and hardships break them down, and get the best of them. They end up losing hope and faith that there soon will be a light at the end of the tunnel, and that things will get better if they believe it will. All while their precious children, and young teenagers have to sit back and watch as their mom or dad, and sole provider & protector get weared down physically and emotionally from the everyday pressures of providing for the family. 

Single parents not only have to face the stress of their daily challenges alone, but they have to find a way to care and provide for their families. The challenge of raising a family alone automatically becomes 10x harder, than those families being raised by a couple in the same household. What some don't realize is how the demanding daily cycle of running a single parent household is already a huge task for anyone to take on. But when you have unexpected circumstances come-up, it can really wear down an already exhausted single parent who would give her left kidney if it meant she'd get at least some relief of stress in his and her life.

Latest Radio Interview




 


This past Tuesday, I was invited on as a guest on Dr. David Moore's and Dr. Steve' Geonopulos's "Life Dr" Internet radio show to discuss single parenting and handling stress, along with providing listeners with show development updates. It had been the second time that I've been on their radio show, so I was really excited to have the opportunity to update all the listeners on what's been going on with "Single Parenthood: NJ". Both Dr. Moore and Dr. Steve are great examples of people who are living their lives doing what their most passionate about, and using their talents to help people and make a difference. I'm really grateful to have crossed paths with them both, and hope the connection continues for years to come!

"Thank you Dr. Moore and Dr. Steve for all your support this past year. You guys are one of the many great people out there who believed in "Single Parenthood: NJ the moment they heard about it. Even more for believing in me, and my goal to increase awareness on the need for more working single parent support programs. It's definitely something that I will never forget, no matter how much success my life is blessed with, or where I end up in the next year." -Jessica Fernandez-

So anyways, after the radio interview I couldn't stop thinking about the topic of handling stress as a single parent, and how I've handled certain events in my own life. I began to look back and reflect on all the challenges, and hardships that I've faced this past year. I've definitely been faced with some of the most difficult circumstances of my whole life. When I first began developing my reality show project, I remember feeling like I was in a good place. I had a beautiful, healthy little girl who believed in me whole heartily when no one else would.

Meet the Final Cast Members & Production Team!!!

Jessica Fernandez-Creator/Writer/Producer & Cast Member

A 28-year old, New Jerseyan & single mom with the biggest heart and the kindest soul you'll ever see. Born and raised in the Garden State by parents of Puerto Rican descent, Jessica grew up with big goals and dreams of one day being powerful like Oprah and doing something big to change the world and make a difference.

She was just 20 years old, when she was forced to deal with an unexpected pregnancy all alone. Her boyfriend left after she refused to have an abortion. With the help of her family, she spent the nine months of her pregnancy preparing for her new life as a single mom, while maintain a full time student status at her college and working 30-40hrs a week. It was during that time that she made a self-conscious decision to take a break from men entirely, and focus solely on being a good mom, her studies, and building a much needed relationship with herself.

More Exciting Things to Come.....You'll See!

I'm baaaacccckkkkkkk!!!! I know, I know it's been so long since I've last posted here. Believe me I got a good excuse for being an MIA Blogger for a little over a month now.  But I promise that from here on out, I'm going to make it a point to post at least twice a month when I'm busy, if not more. I say this because hopefully in the next upcoming months things are going to be getting a lot more crazier for all those involved with reality show development. But no worries.....it's going to be a great, exciting, rewarding, and miraculously life-changing crazy. I just can't wait......It's what I've been working really hard towards in the past year and a half years. 

Anyway, I'm sure some of you are wondering what I've been up to lately, and what's been going on with the show launch. We filmed the pilot this past summer (will be posting pics soon), and had a blast getting to know all the cast members, and Lisa (Executive Producer). Since I was unexpectedly laid off back in October 2009, I was able to dedicate all my time to developing the concept, writing my book, and just being a mom. I've been working non-stop since I was 14 years old, and never could imagine being without a job. When my friends would get laid off or fired most of them would glow with excitement of being able to "Chill Out" for a few months, and relax while collecting unemployment. I just couldn't bare the thought of it especially in this tough economy where it seems nearly impossible to find a job because of all those who are desperately looking.

REVIEW: Metrostyle BLK Front Sweater

When I was approached by Metrostyle.com a few weeks ago about doing a product review, I became so excited about the opportunity. Anyone who personally knows me can tell you how much of a shopping fanatic I am, and how my biggest weakness is shoes & handbags. Why? Because no matter how much weight you gain or lose shoes and handbags always seem to fit. :)

Anyways, for my review item I chose the Front Zippered Down Grey Sweater to the left in black. It comes in three different colors: Grey, Garnet (reddish color), and of course my personal choice black. It's currently listed for the price of $34.99. I really liked the jacket because it was a nice, simple jacket that could be worn with a pair of black pants or blue jeans, and if accessorized correctly could really complete a nice outfit for going out.

I actually ended up using the sweater the same day it arrived via Fed-Ex, while at the movie theatre watching Julia Roberts latest film, "Eat, Pray, Love". Yes, I know it's still warm outside. But most movie theatres in my area seem to enjoy blasting the air conditioner on "high" even though businesses now a days are supposed to be budgeting and cutting back. Needless to say it was a very nice addition to the dark blue Capri's jeans I had on with a dark purple shirt underneath. It was late when we left the theatre, and to be honest I didn't even think about having my friend take a quick picture of me, but as the weather starts to cool, I'm sure I'll be using it more often.

While exploring the Metrostyle.com website, I found a few other really nice items I'll probably end up buying, and thought it be nice to share them with all of you below:

I've been hitting the gym a lot lately, and taking up jogging trying to get myself camera ready for when we begin taping the first season of my single parent reality show. So when I saw this blue, striped jogging outfit, I just had to add it to my favorites list. There's just something about wearing a matching workout outfit that really amps you up during your workout regimen. The great news is that it's now on sale for $24.99-$39.99. A great deal in my book!

I fell in love the moment I saw these Madden Girl Booties by Steve Madden. If these were one of the options made available to me for review they would have been my first choice hands down! I really love how the heal is only 2 1/2 inches high giving me a nice break from the 4-6 inch heals I'm used to wearing. This will definitely be an item I plan on purchasing, but am still deciding whether to buy the black or brown ones. They are currently listed for $59.99 and they have both whole and half sizes in stock.





Now for a limited time ONLY. All "Single Parenthood: NJ" readers can shop online at http://www.metrostyle.com/ and receive 30% off 1 Item purchased. Just make sure you enter code: MSWorld30 at checkout in order to receive your discount.

Thanks for visiting our "Single Parenthood: NJ" blog, and for supporting us on our journey in developing television's first reality-based show on single parents! Stay tuned for the lastest news on project production development. :)

Happy Shopping!

JF

A Special Thanks to Kid Junction of Branchburg, NJ!

A special thanks to Kid Junction of Branchburg for allowing us to use their facility, last Tuesday, August 10th for our single parents event. The production team was in attendance taking footage for possible use in the pilot episode. To be honest, I was a bit nervous that not enough people would show up to the event that night, but ended up being relieved with the amount of people who did attend. So another special "Thank You" to all who attended and came down to support me and the cast members that will soon be television's 1st reality-based show on single parents.

My goal was to introduce my mission of increasing the need for more support and assistance programs for working single parents, and my plan to launch a single parent organization that will provide temporary assistance with rent, utility, food, daycare, education, etc, to struggling working single parents based on need, and their current situation. An organization that will award scholarships to single parents and their families, and a place single parents can go to for support and mentoring.

So as I begin to transition into my new life, a destiny I can finally call my own, I feel good knowing that my mission is one I won't be taking alone. That there are people around me who believe whole-heartedly in what I am doing, and hope to do with the success of the show. Most people pursue careers in reality television primarily for money and fame, but for me it isn't about neither of them. It's about making a difference, and using my success and the power that comes with it to help others. It's about continuing a mission that started four years ago between my friend Heather and I. Most importantly, it is about carrying out that very same legacy and full-filling the promise I made to her, and not stopping until it is achieved.

Below are the pics from the Kid Junction event, courtesy of Stefanie Guilano Photography. Thank you Stefanie!

Click Here for Photos